countyscore
46.8
County Score
Health 84.6Lawn Care 79.6Disaster Risk 68.8

County Report Card

About Poweshiek County, Iowa

Nearing the National Median

Poweshiek County earns a 46.8 composite score, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a moderate quality of life that is typical for many Heartland agricultural and college communities.

Below Iowa’s High Bar

The county’s score of 46.8 trails the Iowa state average of 55.6. While it offers high health standards, it falls behind in categories like water infrastructure and safety compared to other Iowa counties.

Outstanding Health and Stability

A health score of 84.6 is the county’s crowning achievement, supported by a strong risk score of 68.8. These numbers suggest a stable environment with excellent community wellness outcomes.

Water and Safety Gaps

The water score of 13.6 represents a significant infrastructure challenge for the area. Additionally, a safety score of 32.1 and a tax score of 21.6 indicate areas where residents face higher-than-average burdens.

Best for Wellness and Stability

Poweshiek County is a good fit for individuals who prioritize long-term health and a low-risk environment. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who don't mind moderate taxes and typical rural utility challenges.

2040608010021.637.532.184.663.853.768.813.651.4Tax21.6Cost37.5Safety32.1Health84.6Schools63.8Income53.7Risk68.8Water13.6Weather51.446.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Poweshiek County DNA

Foverall

How Poweshiek County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Poweshiek County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (84.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (13.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.6-30.4
Cost
37.5-10.5
Safety
32.1-22.9
Health
84.6+34.599999999999994
Schools
63.8+9.799999999999997
Income
53.7
Risk
68.8+21.799999999999997
Water
13.6-44.4
Weather
51.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$864/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,837/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Poweshiek County with Dillingham Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Mahaska County
Iowa
51.4
Iowa County
Iowa
56.6
Jasper County
Iowa
54.1
Keokuk County
Iowa
58.5
Tama County
Iowa
56.6
Marion County
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Marshall County
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Benton County
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Deep Dives

Poweshiek County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Poweshiek County

via TaxByCounty

Poweshiek County: Moderate taxes, moderate values

Poweshiek County's effective tax rate of 1.282% sits slightly above the national median of 1.23%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,362 is 12% below the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $184,200 that's close to the national average.

Poweshiek ranks middle-of-the-road in Iowa

At 1.282%, Poweshiek County's effective rate is just 5% below the state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $2,362 is only 9% above the state median of $2,160, making Poweshiek a typical Iowa county by tax burden.

Poweshiek sits between high and low

Poweshiek's 1.282% rate falls between Polk (1.757%) to the east and Plymouth (1.081%) to the northwest. At $2,362 in median taxes, Poweshiek homeowners pay more than rural northern counties but less than Polk County.

Poweshiek County homeowner tax bill

A median home worth $184,200 in Poweshiek County generates roughly $2,362 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,341; without one, the bill is $2,384.

Standard assessment reviews apply here

Like any county, Poweshiek property owners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. If your assessed value appears inflated compared to similar homes sold nearby, contact the county assessor about filing an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Poweshiek County

via CostByCounty

Poweshiek rents eat into modest incomes

With a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Poweshiek County renters exceed the national average, spending $864 monthly against a median household income of $64,837—below both state and national medians. This combination creates meaningful housing affordability pressure for local renters.

Above-average rents, below-average incomes

Poweshiek County ranks among Iowa's least affordable counties, with a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 14.1%. The high burden reflects above-average rents paired with below-average local incomes.

Higher rents in a rural county

Poweshiek County's $864 rent exceeds most rural neighbors—Palo Alto County ($599), Pocahontas County ($743), and Page County ($731)—but trails the metro-influenced Pottawattamie County ($970). The relatively high rural rent likely reflects its proximity to small college towns like Grinnell.

Ownership significantly more expensive

Renters pay $864 monthly while homeowners spend $1,060, with median home values at $184,200—creating a steep 23% ownership premium. Against the $64,837 median income, renters spend 16% while owners commit 19.7%—making renting substantially more accessible here.

Renters find better value than buyers

Relocating to Poweshiek County makes more sense for renters than homebuyers, as ownership costs consume nearly a fifth of median income. The county's college-town character and above-average rents suggest it appeals to transient populations rather than long-term homebuyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Poweshiek County

via IncomeByCounty

Poweshiek Lags National Benchmark

Poweshiek County's median household income of $64,837 falls about $9,900 short of the national median of $74,755. This gap indicates lower earning potential than most American counties.

Below Iowa Average by $5,000

Poweshiek County's $64,837 median income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $5,000 annually. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, typical of central Iowa's rural agricultural areas.

Mixed Performance in Central Iowa

Poweshiek County ($64,837) underperforms Polk County ($81,621) and Pottawattamie County ($71,446) but edges out Pocahontas County ($63,423). The variance reflects differences between rural and metro-adjacent economies.

Housing Costs Strain Moderate Incomes

Poweshiek County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio pushes toward affordability concerns, despite median home values of $184,200. Households earning $64,837 find housing costs consuming a significant share of already-modest incomes.

Discipline Saves the Day

Poweshiek County residents earning $64,837 must prioritize consistent saving and avoid lifestyle inflation as income grows. Even small monthly contributions to index funds or employer retirement plans compound substantially over working years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Poweshiek County

via CrimeByCounty

Poweshiek County remains safer than average

Poweshiek County earns a safety score of 97.5, well above most U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1596.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking near Iowa state averages

The county's safety score of 97.5 is slightly below the Iowa average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1596.1 is higher than the statewide average of 1095.3 per 100K.

Middle-of-the-road safety for the region

Poweshiek County's crime rate is lower than Pottawattamie County's 2748.5. However, it is higher than more rural areas like Palo Alto County at 682.5 per 100K.

Low violent crime but persistent property issues

Violent crime is low at 236.5 per 100K, comfortably below the national 369.8. Property crime is higher at 1359.6, though it still falls below the national rate of 2,015.7.

Awareness helps keep Poweshiek safe

Two local agencies report data and manage public safety for the county. Residents can support these efforts by securing their property and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Poweshiek County

via SchoolsByCounty

Poweshiek County's Educational Outlook

Poweshiek County educates 2,592 students through 11 public schools across 3 school districts. The system is comprised of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

A strong 93.1% graduation rate puts the county ahead of both Iowa and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $7,459 is slightly below the state norm, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 56.2.

The Grinnell-Newburg Spotlight

The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District is the largest in the county, supporting 1,538 students across 5 schools. Like its neighbors, the county has zero charter schools, relying entirely on its three traditional public districts.

Rural Roots and Town Campuses

The area is predominantly rural, with eight schools in rural settings and three located in town. Grinnell Community Senior High is the largest school with 471 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 236.

Home Buying in Poweshiek County

With graduation rates exceeding state benchmarks, Poweshiek County is an attractive option for families. Finding a home near the well-regarded Grinnell-Newburg schools can be a key factor in long-term property satisfaction.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Poweshiek County

via RiskByCounty

Poweshiek County enjoys below-average disaster risk

At 31.27, Poweshiek County's composite risk score sits comfortably below the U.S. average, earning a Very Low rating. This reflects a generally safer natural disaster environment with modest exposure across most hazard types.

Among Iowa's safer counties by risk ranking

Poweshiek County's 31.27 score ranks well below Iowa's average of 39.68, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. This low-risk profile makes it a relatively secure location for residents concerned about natural disasters.

Poweshiek offers safer ground than surrounding peers

Neighboring Polk County (91.98) carries vastly higher risk, while Page County (40.20) also exceeds Poweshiek's exposure. Poweshiek County represents a notably safer pocket within central Iowa's risk landscape.

Tornadoes your main hazard, wildfire secondary

Tornado risk (59.76) is your primary concern, though moderate compared to other Iowa counties. Wildfire risk (46.06) is secondary, while flood (20.26) and earthquake (25.60) risks remain relatively low.

Standard insurance with tornado coverage suffices

Poweshiek County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with comprehensive tornado and wind damage coverage as their primary protection. A designated safe room and basic emergency supplies provide additional security during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Poweshiek County

via WaterByCounty

Poweshiek County Faces Severe Water Violations

Poweshiek County earns an F grade, recording 34 drinking water health violations over five years. The violation rate of 221.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly higher than the state average of 25.9. These numbers suggest systemic challenges in meeting federal drinking water standards.

Watershed Impairments Not Yet Evaluated

There is currently no ATTAINS data for Poweshiek County, meaning local water bodies have not been assessed under §303(d) standards. This lack of federal data leaves the status of local environmental health unconfirmed. Without official reporting, comparisons to state impairment averages are not possible.

Limited Monitoring at Two County Sites

Only 2 monitoring sites are active in Poweshiek County, producing 516 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics. This small monitoring footprint provides a limited window into the county's overall water quality.

Walnut Creek Flows Below Typical Mean

At the Hartwick gauge, Walnut Creek is currently flowing at 34 cfs, which is 66% of its long-term mean. This below-average flow suggests drier local conditions which can stress aquatic habitats. Low streamflow can also lead to higher concentrations of certain nutrients and inorganics.

Urgent Need for Water Quality Awareness

Given the high rate of health violations, residents of Poweshiek County should consider independent testing of their drinking water. Point-of-use filters may help mitigate some of the risks associated with the county's F grade. Pay close attention to local water notices, especially during periods of low creek flow.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Poweshiek County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temps with High Annual Rainfall

Poweshiek County averages 47.5°F, making it cooler than the national median. Its 37.8 inches of precipitation are relatively high, characterizing this humid continental region.

Wetter and Cooler Than State Benchmarks

Poweshiek County is wetter than the average Iowa county, receiving 37.8 inches of precipitation against the state's 36.1 inches. Its 47.5°F average temperature is slightly cooler than the 48.0°F state mean.

Milder Summers Than Neighboring Polk

Compared to Polk County, Poweshiek is much cooler in the summer, with only 11 heat days versus Polk's 21. It also receives over an inch more precipitation annually than its western neighbor.

Pleasant Summers and Typical Iowa Winters

With only 11 days over 90°F, summers are more temperate than much of the state. Winter brings 30.3 inches of snow and a January average temperature of 19.3°F.

Focus on Moisture and Storm Prep

Given the 37.8 inches of rain and snow, ensuring proper basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance is vital. Summer cooling needs are lower here than in surrounding counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Poweshiek County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Central Iowa Earth

Poweshiek County soils have an average pH of 6.30, slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.43. The overall soil score of 66.5 reflects a landscape with distinct management needs.

High Silt and Moderate Clay

Silt dominates the profile at 56.8%, paired with 24.9% clay. This creates a dense soil structure that excels at holding nutrients but can be prone to surface crusting after heavy rains.

Building Organic Matter for Success

The organic matter level is 2.77%, which is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81%. With an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in, careful moisture management is necessary for peak production.

Moisture Management in Silt

The soil's high silt content means it holds water longer than sandy soils. Without specific drainage data, land managers should focus on maintaining soil structure to ensure healthy water infiltration.

Garden Potential in Zone 5b

This Zone 5b region is fantastic for growing potatoes, carrots, and onions. Start your garden today and use mulch to help improve the soil's natural organic levels over time.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Poweshiek County

via LawnByCounty

Forgiving Growth in Poweshiek

Poweshiek County is a high performer with a 79.6 lawn difficulty score, exceeding the Iowa state average. Its Hardiness Zone 5b classification and generous rainfall make it one of the more forgiving places to grow a lawn in the Midwest.

Cooler Summers and High Precipitation

Lawns here benefit from 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, the highest in this group and well within the ideal range. With only 11 extreme heat days—fewer than the state average—the grass experiences less summer stress than in other parts of Iowa.

Excellent pH and Moisture Retention

The soil pH of 6.30 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, meaning you likely won't need much lime or sulfur. While specific drainage data is limited, the 24.9% clay content helps the soil retain the county’s ample 37.8 inches of annual rain.

Bouncing Back from Dry Spells

The county faced only 10 weeks of drought last year, though 89.5% of the area is currently seeing abnormally dry conditions. Given the low number of extreme heat days, lawns here recover quickly from dry spells if given a little supplemental water.

Ideal Timing for Cool-Season Grass

This climate is ideal for cool-season blends like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue. Target the period between the May 3 spring frost and the October 6 fall frost for your planting and fertilizing schedule.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Poweshiek County's county score?
Poweshiek County, Iowa has a composite county score of 46.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Poweshiek County rank among counties in Iowa?
Poweshiek County ranks #79 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Poweshiek County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Poweshiek County is $2,362, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Poweshiek County a tax score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Poweshiek County?
The median household income in Poweshiek County, Iowa is $64,837 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Poweshiek County earns an income score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Poweshiek County, Iowa a good place to live?
Poweshiek County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Poweshiek County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Poweshiek County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.